Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. — Isaiah 7:14

Hark!The Herald Angels Sing

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th'incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.

There are several things that make our Advent traditions and celebrations so unique and wonderful. There are all the special meals and treats, festive music, trees, lights and decor. And who doesn't love exchanging gifts?But one of the greatest parts of the Christmas season is simply being with one another. More than any other time of the year, Advent is when friends and families draw near to one another. Our homes fill with the aroma of food and the echoes of laughter as we enjoy the presence of those we love and cherish. This is more than mere nostalgia. Advent is all about presence.

Who would this virgin-born child be? Isaiah declares that he would be Immanuel, which means God with us.

By Isaiah's time, Israel's heyday had come and gone. The kingdom was divided and in rapid decline. Invasion by a foreign enemy was imminent. Times were dark. But God made a promise: the virgin would conceive. Who would this virgin-born child be? Isaiah declares that he would be Immanuel, which means God with us. God's response to Israel's need was not simply to send someone on his behalf. God's answer was to draw near to them himself in the person of Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of the Virgin Mary. Jesus is not simply a token or symbol of God's presence with us. Jesus is God with us (Matthew 1:22-23). He is God in the flesh, fully God and fully man, dwelling among us because he loves us (John 1:14).

...remember that God has drawn near to you in Christ.

As you anticipate and enjoy the presence of loved ones this Advent season, remember that God has drawn near to you in Christ. The gift he gives is himself. He doesn't just have a solution for you. He is the solution. Are you grieving those who can't be present this year? Are you facing difficult or challenging times? Are you burdened by what is unknown? Does the darkness seem unrelenting?

Remember, Christ our Lord stepped down from his heavenly throne and came to Bethlehem's manger to be with you. Not only that, but, ultimately, he went to the cross. Why? Because that was the price he had to pay to rescue us from sin and death and darkness. God did all of that to be with you.

Because of Christmas, because of lmmanuel, God with us, we can be certain that we are never alone. Never.

Liturgy

Lord of Gracious Presence,
‍
In awesome humility and compassion,
you stepped down from heaven to be with us.
Though we have given you countless reasons to leave,
you have drawn near to us.
You came for sinners, taking on our flesh.
You were tempted in every way,
yet you did not sin.
You chose the manger over heaven to be with us.
Lord, remind us this Christmas
that our greatest need,
and your greatest gift,
is always yourself.
As we enjoy the presence of others
may we be reminded of your ever-faithful presence in our lives.
We pray these things in your gracious name,

Amen